Students on Terschelling are building a learning environment with real-world impact
What happens when students stop waiting for assignments and start creating opportunities themselves?
At the Maritime Institute Willem Barentsz (MIWB) on the Dutch island of Terschelling, a square is evolving into a living learning environment where education, research and the local community come together. Students work on real challenges related to climate, circularity and sustainable living.
From idea to action
The foundation for Plein aan Zee (“Square by the Sea”) was laid by students from the Sustainable Use of Oceans and Seas minor. They developed the idea for the Climate Container (KliCo): a meeting place dedicated to sustainability challenges.
Today, the container serves as a hub for new projects. Students are already exploring how it can be made even more sustainable.
Working with the island
Placemaking students also contributed to the future vision for Plein aan Zee, working together with local partners including Staatsbosbeheer, Stichting Zilte Smaak, Island Woods and the Jutfabriek.
Visitors can already discover saline planting beds that bring topics such as climate change, salinisation and future food systems to life.
Learning by doing
Plein aan Zee shows how students, researchers and regional partners can work together on challenges that matter. Not in a classroom simulation, but in the real world.
The next step is to further develop the Climate Container, exploring opportunities in circular construction, renewable energy, water collection and biodiversity.
Who's next?
Plein aan Zee is only just getting started. That creates opportunities for new projects, research initiatives, graduation assignments and collaborations. Interested? Contact [email protected].
